Denise A. Snowden

About Denise A. Snowden

How do leaders make sound decisions when complexity is high, information is incomplete, and the consequences matter?I am committed to cultivating high-trust environments where leaders learn from one another, challenge assumptions, and lead with greater clarity and confidence. My purpose is to help leaders slow down, think more deeply, and make better decisions that strengthen their organizations, their people, and the communities they serve. I believe the most impactful leadership begins from the inside out, grounded in self-awareness, clarity of values, and intentional action.For more than twenty-five years, I have served in senior leadership roles and led complex initiatives within large organizations, guiding strategic direction, talent development, and systemwide change. My experience includes executive leadership and consulting roles, large-scale transformation work, and academic training at The Ohio State University, where I earned my PhD and later taught graduate-level leadership and strategic management. These experiences continue to shape how I lead and engage others, particularly in environments where scale, complexity, and accountability are high.Today, I serve as a Vistage Chair, facilitating confidential peer advisory groups of CEOs and business owners who are committed to improving the quality of their leadership, decision-making, and lives. In parallel, as Founder and CEO of Coach to Lead, I partner with executives and leadership teams nationwide through executive coaching, strategic planning, team development, and research-based 360 leadership reflection. Across both roles, my work creates space for honest reflection, rigorous dialogue, and informed action.Outside of work, I enjoy live music, urban gardening, reading, Pilates, and adventures with my husband, Jason, as well as time with my son and daughter-in-law, who live nearby. These relationships and interests keep me grounded and reinforce the importance of connection, balance, and care in leadership and in life.I am currently interviewing high-caliber leaders to join my CEO advisory group in Columbus, Ohio. If you\'re ready to elevate your performance as a CEO, let\'s talk. You can reach me at d••••••••@vistagechair.com

Experience

1. Vistage Chair

   Vistage Worldwide, Inc.

   Jan 2025 — Present · Columbus, OH, US

   I lead peer advisory groups of CEOs and senior executives, creating a trusted space for confidential issue processing, reflection, and high-quality decision-making. I bring an inside-out leadership approach that helps leaders think deeply, learn from one another, and navigate complexity with clarity and confidence.

Education

• The Ohio State University

  Doctor of Philosophy, Educational Policy and Leadership

  2003 — 2012

• Ashland University

  Bachelor of Science, Education

  1995

• Avon High School

  Diploma

  1988

• Ashland University

  Master of Education, Literacy

  1997 — 1999